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Start Preamble

A. Purpose

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the availability of fiscal year (FY) 2001 funds for a cooperative agreement program for new State and competing continuation State programs to develop and improve Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention activities which include building Statewide capacity to conduct surveillance of blood lead levels in children. CDC is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of A Healthy People, a national activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life. This announcement is related to the focus area of Environmental Health. For a copy of “Healthy People 2010,” (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00547-9), write or call: Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone (202) 512-1800 or visit the Internet site: http://www.health.gov/​healthypeople/​.

The purpose of this program is to provide the impetus for the development, implementation, expansion, and evaluation of State and local childhood lead poisoning prevention program activities which include Statewide surveillance capacity to determine areas at high-risk for lead exposure. Also, this cooperative agreement is to carry out the core public health functions of Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance in childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.

Funding for this program will be to:

1. Develop and/or enhance a surveillance system that monitors all blood lead levels (BLLs).

2. Assure screening of children who are at high-risk of lead exposure and follow-up care for children who are identified with elevated BLLs.

3. Assure awareness and intervention for the general public and affected professionals in relation to preventing childhood lead poisoning.

4. Expand primary prevention of childhood lead poisoning in high-risk areas in collaboration with appropriate government and community-based organizations. Start Printed Page 8796

As programs have shifted emphasis from providing direct screening and follow-up services to the core public health functions, cooperative agreement funds may be used to support and emphasize health department responsibilities to ensure high-risk children are screened and receive appropriate follow-up services. This includes developing and improving coalitions and partnerships; conducting better and more sophisticated assessments; and developing and evaluating new and existing policies, program performance, and effectiveness based on established goals and objectives.

B. Eligible Applicants

Applicant eligibility is divided into Part A (New Applicants), Part B (Competing Continuation), and Part C (Supplemental Studies) defined in the following section: In FY 2000, CDC shifted its program emphasis from the direct funding of local programs with jurisdictional populations of 500,000 to the funding of State programs. However, the top five metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs)/largest cities in the United States based on census data will be eligible for direct funding for childhood lead poisoning prevention activities indefinitely. They are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Houston.

I. Part A: Eligible applicants are State health departments or other State health agencies or departments not currently funded by CDC and any eligible SMSA not currently receiving direct funding from CDC for childhood lead poisoning prevention activities. Also eligible are health departments or other official organizational authority (agency or instrumentality) of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, and all federally-recognized Indian tribal governments. Please note: Local Health Departments are not eligible to apply for cooperative agreement funding under Part A of this program announcement unless they are one of the top five SMSAs.

2. Part B: Eligible applicants are those states currently funded by the CDC with a project period that expires June 30, 2001. These applicants are: Los Angeles; Louisiana; Massachusetts; Missouri; Montana; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York City; North Carolina; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; West Virginia and Vermont. In FY 2000, CDC shifted its program emphasis from the direct funding of local programs with jurisdictional populations of 500,000 to the funding of State programs. However, the top five metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs)/largest cities in the United States based on census data will be eligible for direct funding for childhood lead poisoning prevention activities. This includes New York City and Los Angeles. These SMSAs are eligible for direct funding indefinitely under Part B.

3. Part C: Eligible applicants are those State applicants that apply under Part B or non-competing State applicant programs currently funded under a non-expired project period. For Part B applicants, funding under Part C will only be considered if the Part B application is successful and chosen for funding. All Part C applicants must meet the program requirement of submitting data to CDC's national surveillance database. Please Note: Non-competing applicants currently funded with a Part C award are not eligible.

Additional information for all State applicants: If a State agency applying for grant funds is other than the official State health department, written concurrence by the State health department must be provided (for example, the State Environmental Health Agency).

C. Availability of Funds

Part A: New Applicants

Up to $1,700,000 will be available in FY 2001 to fund up to six new applicants. CDC anticipates that awards for the first budget year will range from $75,000 to $800,000.

Part B: Competing Continuations

Up to $10,000,000 will be available in FY 2001 to fund up to 14 competing continuation applicants. CDC anticipates that awards for the first budget year will range from $250,000 to $1,500,000.

Part C: Supplemental Studies

Up to $400,000 will be awarded in FY 2001 to fund up to four assessment/evaluation studies with a two-year project period or not to exceed the current established project period. These funds will be awarded to support the development of alternative surveillance assessments and/or to conduct evaluation of the impact of lead screening recommendations. Awards are expected to range from $70,000 to $100,000, with the average award being approximately $85,000. Funds will be awarded for assessment/evaluation studies that address one of the following:

1. Alternative Surveillance Assessment—Assessment of lead exposure in a jurisdictional population or sub-population using an approach to surveillance that differs from the Statewide Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance (CBLS) system described in this announcement.

2. Screening Recommendation Evaluation—Evaluation of the impact of lead screening recommendations on screening for high-risk children.

Funding for State applicants: To determine the type of program activities and the associated level of funding for an individual State applicant for Part A or Part B, please refer to the table below. These are funding limits which should be used to determine program funding levels. Addendum 2 in the application package provides an explanation of the factors used to develop categorical funding limits.

Funding Categories Based on Projected Level of Effort Required To Provide Lead Poisoning Activities to a State Population

Alabama

2

Alaska

3

Arizona

3

Arkansas

2

California *

1

Colorado

3

Connecticut

2

Delaware

3

Florida *

3

Georgia

2

Hawaii

3

Idaho

3

Illinois

1

Indiana *

3

Iowa

2

Kansas

2

Kentucky *

3

Louisiana

2

Maine

3

Maryland

2

Mass.

2

Michigan *

2

Minnesota

2

Mississippi

2

Missouri

2

Montana

3

Nebraska

2

Nevada

3

N. Hampshire

3

New Jersey

2

New Mexico

3

New York *

2

N. Carolina

2

North Dakota

3

Ohio

1

Oklahoma

2

Oregon

3

Pennsylvania

1

Rhode Island

2

S. Carolina

2

Start Printed Page 8797

South Dakota

2

Tennessee

2

Texas *

1

Utah *

3

Vermont

3

Virginia

2

Washington

2

West Virginia

2

Wisconsin

2

Wyoming

3

* Projected level of effort adjusted to account for currently funded locales.

Note:

Please see section entitled “Funding Level for SMSA Applicants.”

Funding State Applicants—Part A or Part B: Determine your funding category (Category 1, 2, or 3) and associated program activities by category using the descriptions below. Funding levels are associated with category type and level of program activity to be supported by CDC. Regardless of category type, all programs are required to develop and implement screening plans and have a surveillance system designed to monitor all blood lead levels in children. Following are the minimum requirements for each category and the range and average awards for each category.

Category 1: $800,000-$1,500,000, average award $1,000,000 Applicants are to use CDC funding to: Implement and evaluate screening plans; submit and analyze data from a Statewide surveillance system; ensure screening and follow-up care; provide public and professional health education and health communication; conduct program impact evaluation; and implement primary prevention activities.

Category 2: $250,000-$800,000, average award $520,000 Applicants are to use CDC funding to: Implement and evaluate screening plans; submit and analyze data from a Statewide surveillance system; assure screening and follow-up care; provide public and professional health education and health communication; and conduct program impact evaluation.

Funding Levels for SMSA Applicants (under Part B only): The range of awards for eligible SMSAs is $250,000 to $800,000.

Additional Information on Funding for all Applicants for Part A, Part B, and Part C New awards are expected to begin on or about July 1, 2001, and are made for 12-month budget periods within a project period not to exceed two-years for State programs. Estimates outlined above are subject to change based on the actual availability of funds and the scope and quality of applications received. Continuation awards within the project period will be made on the basis of satisfactory progress and availability of funds. Awards cannot supplant existing funding for CLPP or Supplemental Funding Initiatives. Funds should be used to enhance the level of expenditures from State, local, and other funding sources.

Note:

Funds may not be expended for medical care and treatment or for environmental remediation of sources of lead exposure. However, the applicant must provide a plan to ensure that these program activities are carried out.

Not more than 10 percent (exclusive of Direct Assistance) of any cooperative agreement or contract through the cooperative agreement may be obligated for administrative costs. This 10 percent limitation is in lieu of, and replaces, the indirect cost rate.

D. Program Requirements

1. Special Requirement regarding Medicaid provider status of applicants: Pursuant to section 317A of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-1), as amended by sec. 303 of the “Preventive Health Amendments of 1992” (Pub. L. 102-531), applicants AND current grantees must meet the following requirements: For CLPP program services which are Medicaid-reimbursable in the applicant's State:

Applicants who directly provide these services must be enrolled with their State Medicaid agency as Medicaid providers.

Providers who enter into agreements with the applicant to provide such services must be enrolled with their State Medicaid agency as providers. An exception to this requirement will be made for providers whose services are provided free of charge and who accept no reimbursement from any third-party payer. Such providers who accept voluntary donations may still be exempted from this requirement.

In order to satisfy this program requirement, please provide a copy of a Medicaid provider certificate or statement as proof that you meet this requirement. Failure to include this information will result in your application being returned. Please place this information immediately behind the budget and budget justification pages.

2. Assure that income earned by the CLPP program will be returned to the program for its use.

Cooperative Activities

Part A and Part B: New and Competing Continuations

To achieve the purpose of this cooperative agreement program, the recipient will be responsible for the activities listed under 1. Recipient Activities and CDC will be responsible for the activities listed under 2. CDC Activities.

1. Recipient Activities

a. Establish, maintain, or enhance a statewide surveillance system in accordance with legislation. For eligible SMSAs (under Part B), enhance a data management system that links with the State's surveillance system or develop an automated data management system to collect and maintain laboratory data on the results of blood lead analyses and data on follow-up care for children with elevated BLLs. State recipients should ensure receipt of data from local programs. Local recipients should transfer relevant data to the appropriate State entity in a timely manner for annual submission to CDC.

b. Manage, analyze and interpret individual State surveillance data, and present and disseminate trends and other important public health findings.

c. Develop, implement and evaluate a statewide/jurisdiction-wide childhood blood lead screening plan consistent with CDC guidance provided in Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials. (A copy of this document can be obtained at the following internet address http://www.cdc.gov/​nceh/​lead/​guide/​guide97.htm. For eligible SMSAs, participate in the Statewide planning process. Make screening recommendations and appropriate local screening strategies available and known to health care providers.

d. Assure appropriate follow-up care is provided for children identified with elevated BLLs.

e. Establish effective, well-defined working relationships within public health agencies and with other agencies and organizations at national, State, and community levels (e.g., housing authorities; environmental agencies; maternal and child health programs; State and local Medicaid agencies and programs such as Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT); community and migrant health centers; community-based organizations providing health and Start Printed Page 8798social services in or near public housing units, as authorized under Section 330(i) of the PHS Act; State and local epidemiology programs; State and local housing rehabilitation programs; schools of public health and medical schools; and environmental interest groups).

f. Provide managerial, technical, analytical, and program evaluation assistance to local agencies and organizations in developing or strengthening CLPP program activities.

2. CDC Activities

a. Provide technical, and scientific assistance and consultation on program development, implementation and operational issues.

b. Provide technical assistance and scientific consultation regarding the development and implementation of all surveillance activities including data collection methods and analysis of data. Specifically assist with improving data linkages with Federally-funded means-tested public benefit programs (WIC, Head Start, etc.)

c. Assist with data analysis and interpretation of individual State surveillance data and release of national reports. Reports will include analysis of national aggregate data as well as state-specific data on Federally-funded means-tested public benefit programs (WIC, Head Start, etc).

d. Assist Part B recipients with communication and coordination among Federal agencies, and other public and private agencies and organizations.

e. Conduct ongoing assessment of program activities to ensure the use of effective and efficient implementation strategies.

Part C: Supplemental Studies

To achieve the purpose of this program, the recipient will be responsible for the activities listed under 1. Recipient Activities and CDC will be responsible for the activities listed under 2. CDC Activities.

1. Recipient Activities

a. Develop and implement a study protocol to include the following: Methodology, sample selection, field operation, and statistical analysis. Applicants must provide a means of assuring that the results of the study will be published.

b. Revise, refine, and carry out the proposed methodology for conducting Supplemental Studies.

E. Application Content

Use the information in the Program Requirements, Other Requirements, and Evaluation Criteria sections to develop the application content. Each applicant should identify Part A, Part B or Part C on their application. Your application will be evaluated on the criteria listed, so it is important to follow them in laying out your program plan:

Applications must be developed in accordance with PHS Form 5161-1.

Part B applicants also competing for Part C funds must submit two separate applications.

Application pages must be clearly numbered, and a complete index to the application and its appendices must be included.

The original and two copies of the application sets must be submitted unstapled and unbound. All material must be typewritten, double spaced, printed on one side only, with un-reduced font (10 or 12 point font only) on 81/2-inch by 11-inch paper, and at least 1-inch margins and header and footers. All graphics, maps, overlays, etc., should be in black and white and meet the above criteria.

A one-page, single-spaced, typed abstract must be submitted with the application. The heading should include the title of the program, project title, organization, name and address, project director, telephone number, facsimile number, and e-mail address.

The main body of the CLPP program application (Parts A or B) must include the following: Budget/budget justification; Medicaid certification; progress report (Part B applicants only); understanding the problem; surveillance/data-management activities; statewide/jurisdiction-wide planning and collaboration; core public health functions; goals and objectives; program management and staffing; and program evaluation.

The main body of the supplemental studies application (Part C) must include the following: Study protocol, project personnel, and project management.

Each application should not exceed 75 pages. The abstract, budget narrative, and budget justification pages are not included in the 75-page limit. Supplemental information should be placed in appendices and is not to exceed 25 pages.

Part B applicants must submit a progress report in their competing continuation application. This report is not included in the 75 page limit and should not exceed 10 pages. The report should be placed immediately after the budget and budget justification.

F. Submission and Deadline

Submit the original and two copies of the PHS 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-0189) on or before April 2, 2001. Forms are in the application kit. Submit the application to: Lisa T. Garbarino, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Program Announcement 01020, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146.

Applications shall be considered as meeting the deadline if they are either: (1) Received on or before the deadline date, or (2) sent on or before the deadline date and received in time for submission to the objective review. Applicants must request a legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

Applications which do not meet the criteria above are considered late applications. Late applications will not be considered in the current competition and will be returned to the applicant.

G. Evaluation Criteria

The review of applications will be conducted by an objective review panel as they relate to the applicant's response to either Part A, Part B, or Part C. The applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Part A: New Applicants

1. Understanding of the Problem (10 Points)

The extent to which the applicant's description and understanding of the burden and distribution of childhood lead exposure or elevated BLLs in their jurisdiction, using available evidence of incidence and/or prevalence and Start Printed Page 8799demographic indicators; including a description of the Medicaid population.

2. Surveillance Activities (20 Points)

The applicant's ability to develop a childhood blood lead surveillance system that includes: (a) A flow chart that describes data transfer, (b) a mechanism for tracking lead screening services to children, especially Medicaid children (as required in Addendum 5—Children's Health Act of 2000), and (c) a mechanism for reporting data annually to the CDC's national surveillance database. The extent to which the surveillance approach is clear, feasible and scientifically sound. Also, the extent to which the proposed time table for accomplishing each activity and methods for evaluating each activity are appropriate and clearly defined. The following elements will be specifically evaluated:

a. How laboratories report BLLs, including ability to identify and assure reporting from private laboratories and portable blood lead technology that perform lead testing.

b. How data will be collected and managed.

c. How quality of data and completeness of reporting will be assured.

d. How and when data will be analyzed.

e. How summary data will be reported and disseminated on a regular basis (i.e., newsletters, fact sheets, annual reports).

f. Protocols for follow-up of children with elevated BLLs.

g. Provisions to obtain denominator data (results of all laboratory blood lead tests, regardless of level) as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000.

h. Time line and methods for evaluating the Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance (CBLS) approach.

i. Plans to convert paper-based components of the surveillance system to electronic data manipulation.

j. Use of data including evaluation of prevention activities, especially to target screening and prevention efforts.

k. Ability to link environmental data to blood lead data.

3. Statewide Planning and Collaboration (20 Points)

The applicant's ability to develop statewide screening recommendations, including appropriate local strategies. The following elements will be specifically evaluated:

a. The proposed approach to developing and carrying out an inclusive state-wide screening plan as outlined in Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Health Officials.

b. The extent to which the applicant plans to utilize surveillance and program data to produce a statewide screening recommendation, with specific attention given to the Medicaid population, as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000.

c. The ability of the applicant to involve collaborators in the development of a screening plan and implementation of strategies to strengthen childhood lead poisoning prevention activities.

d. The applicant's demonstrated ability to collaborate with principal partners, including managed-care organizations, the State Medicaid agency, child health-care providers and provider groups, insurers, community-based organizations, housing agencies (especially HUD funded programs), and banking, real-estate, and property-owner interests, must be demonstrated by letters of support, memoranda of understanding, contracts, or other documented evidence of relationships.

4. Capacity to Carry Out Public Health Core Functions (10 Points)

The applicant's ability to describe the approach and activities necessary to achieve a balance in the health department's roles in CLPP, including assessment, program and policy development, and monitoring, evaluating, and ensuring the provision of all CLPP activities within their respective categories (for example, Category 3 requires screening plans, surveillance systems, assure follow-up care, and evaluation).

5. Goals and Objectives (15 Points)

The extent to which the applicant's goals and objectives relate to the CLPP activities as described in the category under which they applied. Objectives must be relevant, specific, measurable, achievable, and time-framed and must be provided for the first budget year. There must be a formal work plan with a description of methods, a timetable for completing the proposed methods, identification of the program staff responsible for accomplishing each objective, and process evaluation measures for each proposed objective. Also include a tentative work plan and timetable for the remaining years of the proposed project.

6. Project Management and Staffing (10 Points)

The extent to which the applicant has documented the skills and ability to develop and carry out CLPP activities within their respective categories. Specifically, the applicant should:

a. Describe the proposed health department staff roles in CLPP, their specific responsibilities, and their level of effort and time. Include a plan to expedite filling of all positions and provide assurances that such positions will be authorized to be filled by the applicant's personnel system within reasonable time after receiving funding.

b. Describe a plan to provide training and technical assistance to health department personnel and consultation to collaborators outside the health department, including proposed design of information-sharing systems.

7. Program Evaluation (15 Points)

The extent to which the applicant describes a systematic assessment of the operations and outcomes of the program as a means of contributing to the overall improvement of the program. Specific criteria should include:

a. An evaluation plan which describes useful and appropriate strategies and approaches to monitor and improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the program;

b. Description of how evaluation findings will be used to assess changes in public policy and measure the program's effectiveness of collaborative activities; and

c. Description of how the program will document progress made in childhood lead poisoning prevention which result from planned health department strategies.

8. Budget justification (not scored) The extent to which the budget is reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of funds.

Part B: Competing Continuations

1. Understanding of the Problem (10 points) The extent to which the applicant's description and understanding of the burden and distribution of childhood lead exposure or elevated BLLs in their jurisdiction, using available evidence of incidence and/or prevalence and demographic indicators, including a description of the Medicaid population, as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000.

2. Surveillance activity (20 points) The applicant's ability to enhance its childhood blood lead surveillance system that includes: (a) A flow chart that describes data transfer and (b) a mechanism that tracks lead screening for Medicaid children (as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000), evaluating the existing system, and reporting data to the CDC's national surveillance database. Also, the extent to which the proposed time table for accomplishing each activity is Start Printed Page 8800appropriate and clearly defined. The following elements will be specifically evaluated:

a. How laboratories report BLLs, including ability to identify and assure reporting from private laboratories and portable blood lead technology that perform lead testing.

g. Provisions to obtain denominator data (results of all laboratory blood lead tests, regardless of level) as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000.

h. Time line and methods for evaluating the Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance (CBLS) approach.

i. Process used to convert paper-based components of the system to electronic data.

j. Use of data including evaluation of prevention activities, especially to target screening and prevention efforts.

k. Ability to link environmental data to blood lead data.

For eligible SMSAs (Part B only): The applicant's ability to expand their data management system, including the approach to participating in the State CBLS. The clarity, feasibility, and scientific soundness of the approach to data management. Also, the extent to which the proposed schedule for accomplishing each activity and method for evaluating each activity are clearly defined and appropriate. Please note: The elements (a-k) detailed under No. 2 Surveillance Activities in the section immediately preceding this one all apply to eligible SMSAs.

3. Statewide/Jurisdiction-Wide Planning and Collaboration (20 Points)

The applicant's demonstrated ability to implement and evaluate statewide/jurisdiction-wide screening recommendations with appropriate local strategies. The following elements will be specifically evaluated:

a. The approach used to develop, carry out, and evaluate an inclusive State- or jurisdiction-wide screening plan as outlined in Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning: Guidance for State and Local Health Officials.

b. The extent to which the applicant utilized surveillance and program data to produce statewide/jurisdiction-wide screening recommendations and target the Medicaid population, as required in the Children's Health Act of 2000.

c. Description of how collaborations facilitated the development of a screening plan and strengthened childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies.

d. Evidence of collaboration with principal partners, including managed-care organizations, State Medicaid agency, child health-care providers and provider groups, insurers, community-based organizations, housing agencies, and banking, real-estate, and property-owner interests. These collaborations must be demonstrated by letters of support, memoranda of understanding, contracts, or other documented evidence of relationships.

Note:

For applicants under Part B, describe progress in implementing the screening plan based upon each of the elements listed above.

4. Capacity To Carry Out Public-Health Core Functions (10 points)

The ability to describe the approach and activities taken to achieve a balance in the health department's roles in CLPP, including assessment, program and policy development, and monitoring, evaluating, and ensuring the provision of all CLPP activities within their respective categories (for example, Category 3 requires screening plans, surveillance systems, assure follow-up care, and evaluation).

5. Goals and Objectives (10 Points)

The extent to which the applicant's goals and objectives relate to the CLPP activities as described in the category under which they applied. Objectives must be relevant, specific, measurable, achievable, and time-framed and must be provided for the first budget year. There must be a formal work plan with a description of methods, a timetable for completing the proposed methods, identification of the program staff responsible for accomplishing each objective, and process evaluation measures for each proposed objective. Also include a tentative work plan and timetable for the remaining years of the proposed project.

6. Project Management and Staffing (10 Points)

Specifically the applicant should:

a. Describe the proposed health department staff roles in the extent to which the applicant has the skills and ability to develop and carry out CLPP activities within their respective category/ies. CLPP, their specific responsibilities, and their level of effort and time. Describe a plan to provide training and technical assistance to health department personnel and consultation to collaborators outside the health department, including proposed design of information-sharing systems.

7. Program Evaluation (15 Points)

The extent to which the applicant describes a systematic assessment of the operations and outcomes of the program as a means of contributing to the overall improvement of the program. Specific criteria should include:

a. An evaluation plan which describes useful and appropriate strategies and approaches to monitor and improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of the program;

b. Description of how evaluation findings will be used to assess changes in public policy and measure the program's effectiveness of collaborative activities; and

c. Description of how the program will document progress made in childhood lead poisoning prevention which result from planned health department strategies.

8. Budget Justification (Not Scored)

The extent to which the budget is reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of funds.

Part C: Supplemental Studies—Factors To Be Considered

1. Study Protocol (45 Points)

The applicant's ability to develop a scientifically sound protocol (including adequate sample size with power calculations), quality, feasibility, consistency with project goals, and soundness of the evaluation plan (which should provide sufficient detail regarding the way the protocol will be implemented). The degree to which the applicant has met the CDC policy requirements regarding the inclusion of women, ethnic, and/or racial groups in the proposed project. This includes: (a) The proposed plan to include of both sexes and racial and ethnic minority populations for appropriate representation; (b) the proposed justification when representation is limited or absent; (c) a statement as to whether the design of the study is adequate to measure differences when warranted; and (d) a statement as to whether the plan for recruitment and outreach for study participants includes establishing partnerships with community-based agencies and organizations. Benefits of the partnerships should be described.

2. Project Personnel (20 Points)

The extent to which personnel involved in this project are qualified, including experience in conducting relevant studies. In addition, the Start Printed Page 8801applicant's ability to commit appropriate staff time needed to carry out the study.

3. Project Management (35 Points)

The applicant's ability to implement and monitor the proposed study to include specific, attainable, and realistic goals and objectives, and an evaluation plan.

4. Budget Justification (Not Scored)

The extent to which the budget is reasonable, clearly justified, and consistent with the intended use of cooperative agreement funds.

5. Human Subjects (Not Scored)

The extent to which the applicant complies with the Department of Health and Human Services regulations (45 CFR part 46) on the protection of human subjects.

H. Other Requirements

Technical Reporting Requirements

Provide CDC with the original plus two copies of:

1. Quarterly progress reports, which are required of all grantees. The quarterly report narrative should not exceed 15 pages. Time lines for the quarterly reports will be established at the time of award, but are typically due 30 days after the end of each quarter.

2. Calendar-year surveillance data must be submitted annually to CDC in the approved OMB format between March-June. In addition to CDC, a written surveillance summary must be disseminated to State and local public health officials, policy makers, and others.

3. Financial Status Reports are due within 90 days of the end of the budget period.

4. Final financial reports and performance reports are due within 90 days after the end of the project period.

Send all reports to the Grants Management Specialist identified in the “Where to Obtain Additional Information” section of this announcement.

Note:

Data collection initiated under this cooperative agreement program has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB number (0920-0337), “National Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance System”, Expiration Date: March 31, 2001.

The following additional requirements are applicable to this program. For a complete description of each, see Addendum 1 in the application package.

AR-1 Human Subjects Requirement

AR-2 Requirements for Inclusion of Women and Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Research

AR-7 Executive Order 12372 Review

AR-9 Paperwork Reduction Act Requirements

AR-10 Smoke-Free Workplace Requirements

AR-11 Healthy People 2010

AR-12 Lobbying Restrictions

I. Authority and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number

This program is authorized under sections 301(a), 317A and 317B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241(a), 247b-1, and 247b-3), as amended by the Children's Health Act of 2000. Program regulations are set forth in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 51b to State and local health departments. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 93.197.

J. Pre-Application Workshop for New and Competing Continuation Applicants

For interested applicants, a telephone conference call for pre-application technical assistance will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2001, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The bridge number for the conference call is 1-800-311-3437, and the pass code is 907844. For further information about all workshops, please contact Claudette Grant-Joseph at 404-639-2510.

K. Where to Obtain Additional Information

This and other CDC announcements may be downloaded through the CDC homepage on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. Please refer to program announcement number 01020 when requesting information. To receive additional written information and to request an application kit, call 1-888-GRANTS4 (1-888-472-6874). You will be asked to leave your name, address, and phone number and will need to refer to Announcement 01020. You will receive a complete program description, information on application procedures, and application forms. CDC will not send application kits by facsimile or express mail. If you have questions after reviewing the contents of all documents, business management technical assistance may be obtained from: Lisa T. Garbarino, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2920 Brandywine Road, Room 3000, Atlanta, GA 30341-4146, telephone (770) 488-2710.